Welcome

to the

Talking Book
Program

Library services for blind and physically disabled Texans

a service of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Providing free library service to Texans of all ages who are unable to read standard print material due to visual, physical, or reading disabilities-whether permanent or temporary.

Our books and magazines are available in different formats, mainly on cassette, but also in braille and large print. Best of all, books are delivered right to your door. All of the items are sent and returned through the mail free of charge. The program offers more than 80,000 titles in fiction and nonfiction, plus 80 national magazines for adults and children.

Hours: 8am-5pm Monday-Friday
1-800-252-9605 Toll-free in Texas,
512-463-5458 or in Austin
email

Texas Talking Books will be closed on the following holidays:

• Monday, May 25, Memorial day

Of course, you can always leave a message if you call after hours or on a holiday or email us

Updates on Application Process and Veterans

The Talking Book Program has revised the individual applications which includes an Applicant Agreement that must be signed, otherwise, application process will be delayed.

Also, by law, the Talking Book Program gives priority service to veterans of the United States armed forces who have received honorable discharges from military service. Documentation that verifies a veteran's status, such as a copy of the DD-214 form, must be submitted with the application.
LINK TO REQUEST A COPY OF DD214
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/get-service-records.html

Getting Started with the
Talking Book Program

• General Information about the Talking Book Program
• Application Forms in English & Spanish
  Use this form to apply for TBP services. The form must be signed by a professional, such as a teacher, doctor, nurse, librarian, or social worker.
  
• Getting Started with TBP
  A guide for new and prospective patrons on how to use the Talking Book Program.
• Loan Policy
  Guidelines for borrowing books, magazines, and equipment from the Talking Book Program.

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Other Materials Available through the Talking Book Program

• Magazines
  The Talking Book Program provides free subscriptions to magazines for adults and children in audio cassette and braille formats.
• Spotlight on Texas Books
  Text of quarterly audio cassette magazine that lists Texas fiction and nonfiction titles recently recorded by the Volunteer Recording Program of the Talking Book Program.
• Unabridged Digital Audio Books
  Audio books in digital format that can be downloaded to your home computer, CD, or portable audio device.

Bibliographies

• Bibliographies
  List of sources, plays, and bibliographic information on interests on authors, subjects and titles.

National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped (NLS)

• National Libary Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped
  Information from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.
• Search the NLS online catalog using Voyager (formerly Web-BLND)
  Online Catalog of Talking Books from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.
• Web Braille
  Information about Web-Braille, including instructions for getting a user name and password to access the books, can be found here.
• Web Braille Log-In
  Web-Braille users who have a user name and password can log on to download Web-Braille books and magazines.

Information for Librarians/Educators

• Talking Books in the Classroom
  A guide for teachers and librarians using TBP materials in the classroom for students with visual, physical, or learning disabilities.
• Just for Librarians
  Guide to the Talking Book Program for public librarians.

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Disability Information & Referral Center (DIRC)

• Disability Information & Referral Center
  Provides information about disabilities.

Get Involved

• Volunteer Recording Studio
  Information about volunteer opportunities in Austin to narrate and produce audio books and magazines with a Texas connection.
• Want to become a Demonstration Site?
  Policy, Application and Tip Sheet on how to promote the Talking Book Program by becoming a demonstration site.

Contact Us

Talking Book Program
Texas State Library & Archives Commission
PO Box 12927
Austin TX 78711-2927
Hours: 8am-5pm Monday-Friday
Toll free in Texas 1-800-252-9605
In Austin 512-463-5458
Fax 512-936-0685
Email

Website Changes

To give your comments and input please contact .

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